Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Ladybug Magnets & Record Bowl Planters

My mom helped me out by giving a very simple synopsis of two fun crafts that she makes in the summer. She was helping me create Ebay How-To Guides for a blogger program, but I wanted to share her ideas here as well. So, here is a guest post from my mom!

Record Bowl Planters

Warning: This project is not intended to be done by young children as
you are working with a hot oven. Supervision is necessary.

You will need the following supplies for this project:

a vinyl lp record album (33 1/3)

an empty, clean tin can (with a diameter about the same as the label on the record)

a potholder

You can find vinyl lp record albums at your local vintage stores, Salvation Army/Goodwill, garage sales, or
here, on Ebay. You can use a large tin can that held a family-sized portion of food - just make sure to clean it out and take the label off.
We put a dot with a Sharpie marker directly in the center of
our tin can so that it is easier to match up the record and keep it
centered while you are molding it around the can.

Instructions

First, preheat the oven to about 220 degrees F.

Place the can on the oven rack with the opening facing down.
Put the record on top of the can and let it start to melt. When it
starts to droop down, take the can with the record still on top of it
out of the oven.

Working quickly, be sure the record is centered on the can
and shape the record with your hands, allowing it to form folds as you
squeeze it around the can. Since the record is hot, you can initially
use a washcloth or a potholder to shape it.

Pop the record off of the can and let it cool for one minute.
If it isn't quite how you would like it, you can put it back in the
oven and repeat the process.

Place several pebbles at the bottom of your planter. You can
fill it with any type of soil and put any plant in it. If you are going
to keep the plant inside, use more pebbles to block the hole in the
center of your record bowl. If you are going to put it outside, the hole
is a nice way for the record bowl planter to drain.

These make great conversation pieces for the coffee table. You can
switch out the plants and colors to match current holidays. These are
also great table ornaments at graduations and other outdoor parties, or
adornments for your steps or porch. They make wonderful, unique gifts.

Ladybug Magnets

You will need to gather the following supplies:

1 large clear glass gem

1 round magnet

E6000 glue

red acrylic paint

1 sponge brush

1 black Sharpie marker

2 small googly eyes

Tacky glue

Clear glass gemstones are extremely inexpensive, and can be purchased right
here on Ebay as well as in any local craft store (or Dollar Tree at $1.00/30 gems).
Google eyes are also very inexpensive and can be found
here, on Ebay, or in any local craft store.
The magnets can be found
here (choose the sticky adhesive back magnets).

Instructions

You begin by drawing and filling in a semi-circle shape, with
your Sharpie marker, on the underside (the flat side) of the clear
glass gem near what will be the front. This will be the “head” of your
ladybug.

From the middle of this, draw a straight line all the way to
the back of the stone. This will look like a division of the wings.
Then draw on some spots. It really doesn't matter how many, but
wherever you draw one on the right side, you should draw one on the left
side, so it is symmetrical.

Let the marker dry for at least a few minutes. Then, with a
dabbing motion (so as not to wipe off the spots), paint the flat side of
the gem red with your acrylic paint and sponge brush. This is basically
reverse layering, because you will see the ladybug from the rounded
side.

After the paint has thoroughly dried, turn it over, and using
the Tacky glue, glue two little googly eyes on the rounded side, right
on top of the black semi-circle.

Then, to finish, use the E6000 glue to glue a round magnet on
the flat side of the gem. If you like, you can cut a small circle of
black felt to glue on the bottom of the gem before gluing on the magnet,
making a stronger bond, but it isn't really necessary. I would suggest
this if you do not have a strong glue, like the E6000, and just want to
use the Tacky glue.

This is a great project to do with your children, or even a whole class of students!

The Second Thought focuses on the reviews and ramblings of a 25-year-old medical student originally from upstate NY, now living in Southern Maine. Here, you will find all of my opinions on fashion/beauty, literature, games, food, animals, education, local services, etc. Join me as I attempt to live a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle. I love to connect with new readers. PR friendly!

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